Kohei Horikoshi's My Hero Academia is one of the greatest shōnen series ever created, perfectly embodying the mold of the genre. Following Izuku Midoriya on his journey to become the world’s greatest hero, the story unfolds as a profound adventure filled with challenges that consistently lead to meaningful growth. Along the way, Izuku encounters friends and foes who shape his path, fostering his development and strengthening his character. Watching Izuku’s rise to greatness is inspirational, as the narrative often reflects the struggles and realities of the real world.

Through these trials, Deku and other characters impart invaluable life lessons that resonate beyond fiction. From the importance of kindness to standing against injustice, the series delivers messages that are both timeless and universal. What truly sets My Hero Academia apart, however, is its willingness to tackle a really hard question, what it means to be a hero, and providing an answer that is never trivial.

5 Fate Is Never Written, It is Created

Deku and All Might Have Proved Written Fate Wrong

When life doesn't go as planned or the desired outcome isn't achieved, people often blame fate, claiming it was destined to happen. However, they often overlook the fact that current circumstances are shaped by choices, not fate. In My Hero Academia, Deku and All Might, two of the greatest heroes, demonstrate how even a predetermined fate can be changed with determination and action.

Sir Nighteye, possessing the quirk of foresight that allowed him to glimpse the future, predicted that Deku would die at the hands of Overhaul and that Eri would be taken away. Despite this grim prediction, Izuku chose to fight for Eri’s safety. His determination altered the outcome, inspiring Eri herself to contribute to the battle and help defeat Chisaki. This marked the first time Nighteye's vision was proven wrong.

Similarly, Nighteye foresaw All Might’s death if he continued his hero work. Yet All Might, even after losing his quirk, chose to remain a hero, becoming an irreplaceable force in the fight against All For One, during the final war. While even fans believed this was where the predicted future would come true, All Might survived, proving that one’s actions ultimately determine fate.

Through these stories, Kohei Horikoshi delivers a powerful lesson in My Hero Academia: making deliberate, courageous choices holds far greater power than relying on fate. It's a message that resonates deeply with fans and one that they should undoubtedly embrace.

4 Never Give Up on Your Dreams

Staying Resilient and Not Giving Up On Your Dreams Opens Many Doors

A human being's life can be summarized by how one has lived and the steps taken to achieve their life-long goals. My Hero Academia’s central narrative is based on this motif, with Izuku Midoriya following his dream of becoming the greatest hero. However, his journey doesn’t begin as smoothly as one might hope. Born without a quirk, Izuku starts at a significant disadvantage, seemingly removed from the possibility of ever becoming a hero. Yet, what ultimately sets him on the path to his dream is his resilience and genuine desire to save others, rather than a quest for fame or recognition.

From a young age, Izuku idolized All Might, forming a dream of becoming a hero who helps those in need. Despite being told he couldn’t be a hero, Deku’s unyielding spirit always drove him to act selflessly, even when it seemed impossible. This is powerfully showcased in episode #2 of My Hero Academia, when Deku, quirkless and powerless, leaps to save Bakugo from danger. His unwavering desire to save others caught the attention of All Might, who was inspired by Deku’s heroic spirit.

All Might then became the key to Deku’s journey, opening the door to his dream by ing on One For All. However, it’s important to note that this opportunity wasn’t the result of fate, it was the outcome of Deku’s actions. This moment highlights an essential lesson: one can never predict the opportunities that might arise when pursuing dreams with genuine intent and consistent effort. Even small actions can lead to significant outcomes. Staying resilient and taking action, rather than giving up after setbacks, is what ultimately opens doors to success.

3 Everyone Has A Role To Fulfill

Embrace the Role You Are Provided, And Give Your Best

It is always important to understand and embrace the role you are meant to fulfill in any given situation, rather than constantly striving for the spotlight. Playing the necessary role is crucial because it helps maintain balance and prevents societal structures from fracturing. A powerful example of this concept is seen in Episode #144, where everyone must play their part to divide and conquer the villains before the final war begins.

Neito Monoma from Class 1-B emerges as a vital asset in this strategy, helping to separate the villains. However, this pivotal contribution wouldn’t have been possible if Monoma hadn’t recognized the significance of his role. Initially, he expressed doubts about his quirk, lamenting that it relegated him to being a side character. It was his class teacher who reassured him, emphasizing that his unique abilities would make him indispensable to the plan. This encouragement helped Monoma understand that there are no side characters—only individuals with distinct roles that must be fulfilled.

Monoma’s journey also highlights a profound lesson: every individual is endowed with unique abilities that make them stand out. No one is born without potential, and instead of seeking the spotlight for personal gain, it is more meaningful to use one’s platform to uplift others. This lesson is also mirrored in Deku's actions during the U.A. Sports Festival, where he ed Shoto in realizing his potential and inspiring others to become their best.

2 Keep Inspiring Others To Be Their Best

My Hero Academia’s Best Aspect Is How It Continues To Inspire and Encourage Others To Do the Same

Kohei Horikoshi's manga's greatest ability is undoubtedly in its ability to inspire its audience, even more so than the other shōnen genre series, due to its ability to encourage its viewers to do the same. Featuring a protagonist who begins without the means to succeed but achieves greatness through resilience, My Hero Academia makes Izuku Midoriya one of the most inspirational characters in the genre. What elevates Deku even further is his ability to inspire those around him to reach their full potential.

A defining example of Deku’s inspirational nature occurs during his fight against Shoto Todoroki at the U.A. Sports Festival. Upon realizing that Shoto is holding back a crucial part of his quirk due to personal conflicts, Deku becomes determined to push him to use his full power and break free from his internal struggles. This moment is even more impactful because Izuku knows he stands little chance against Shoto’s full strength, yet he prioritizes helping Todoroki unlock his potential over winning the fight. This scene embodies the theme of selflessness and the importance of uplifting others, even at personal cost.

Another character who exemplifies this idea is the greatest hero of all time, All Might. As the symbol of peace, Toshinori Yagi fought tirelessly against evil during a dark era, inspiring countless heroes to rise and do their best. His actions created a legacy of greatness, leading to the emergence of many exceptional heroes. Both All Might and Deku’s presence in My Hero Academia underline the powerful message that by doing the right thing and striving for one’s best, it is possible to inspire others and help them overcome their struggles.

1 No One Is Born as a Villain

Extending a Hand of Help Could Prevent Someone From Going Down a Dark Path

While the heroes of My Hero Academia serve as inspiring role models, the series’ villains also teach profound lessons, albeit from a perspective distinct from the heroes. Nearly every major villain in My Hero Academia arises from a tragic and traumatizing past. Lacking during their darkest moments, they follow a path into darkness, eventually embodying its essence.

The series’ main antagonist, Shigaraki Tomura, exemplifies the theme that Kohei Horikoshi seeks to convey through his villains. Tomura’s childhood took a dark turn, partly due to his father’s neglect of his better qualities and the challenges posed by his quirk. What cemented his descent into a spiral of hatred was the absence of anyone willing to reach out and help him escape the darkness. As a result, Shigaraki’s destructive actions became his way of blaming society for ignoring him, turning his pain into a cry for help through destruction.

Toya Todoroki, known as Dabi, follows a similar trajectory. His obsession with standing up to the expectations of his father, Endeavor, led to his own downfall. Dabi’s spread of hatred stemmed from a desperate need for his father’s acknowledgment, a tragedy that might have been avoided had Endeavor recognized and addressed his son’s suffering.

This is where Deku shines as the protagonist of the series. Kohei Horikoshi crafted Deku as someone who sees beyond the surface, recognizing the hidden pain and unmet needs within the villains. Deku’s empathetic approach embodies the greatest lesson of My Hero Academia: the power of extending a helping hand to prevent more individuals from succumbing to despair like Shigaraki or Dabi. His actions demonstrate that real societal change begins with comion, a lesson fans can carry into their own lives.